North Korea tests missile that could reach the U.S.

North Korea has test launched another intercontinental ballistic missile — one whose trajectory could put the continental U.S., Europe, and Australia in range.

2017/11/29

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PYONGSONG, NORTH KOREA — After 74-day hiatus, North Korea has test-launched another ballistic missile, which some believe is possibly its more powerful one yet.

Reuters reports that an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Pyongsong early Wednesday, reportedly flying on a lofted trajectory and reaching a maximum height of 4,500 kilometers.

The missile flew nearly 1,000 kilometers for approximately 53 minutes before landing off the coast of Aomori, within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Two previous ICBMs test-launched this year traveled a shorter distance, flying for 37 minutes on July 4, and 47 minutes on July 28.

Had the missile flown on a standard trajectory, experts say it would have a range of more than 13,000 kilometers — enough to reach Washington D.C. and the rest of the continental U.S., and even Europe or Australia, according to the Guardian.

South Korea responded to the launch by conducting its own missile test off the country's east coast.

Japan detected radio signals on Tuesday suggesting the North might be preparing for a ballistic missile test. The government has since condemned the launch.